Kyle Woodlief, the chief and publisher of Red Line Report, provides analysis of the 30 players taken in the first round on Friday in Philadelphia.

1. Florida Panthers - D Aaron Ekblad

Big, strong defenseman who covers a lot of ice. Very complete package: high hockey IQ, great size/strength, and a heavy shot. Has a long, powerful stride with both good straight-ahead speed and outstanding lateral agility. Plays with the maturity of a professional and controls the tempo of the game. Excellent positional play. Angles very well and reads the oncoming rush flawlessly. Closes gaps to perfection and is impossible to beat 1-on-1 off the rush. Outstanding footwork allows him to stick with smaller, quicker forwards in coverage down low, and he's easily able to pin and strip them of the puck. Very strong along the boards. Has his head up with the puck at all times. His point shots are low and consistently on the net, creating dangerous rebound opportunities. Strong leadership skills and loads of big game experience already. Key player at World Juniors at age 17.

2. Buffalo Sabres - C Sam Reinhart

Off-the-charts hockey IQ. Sees plays developing that few in the game are capable of recognizing. First line centre potential. Calm demeanor coupled with outstanding puck protection, an ability to corral any pass and slip past contact in traffic set him apart. Extremely imaginative playmaker can thread the needle through the tightest of openings. Overall is barely an average skater, but seems to skate better with the puck on his stick than without. Still makes impressive plays when he should be off balance. Tremendous stickhandling ability - never turns the puck over in a meaningful situation. Puck explodes off his blade on a well-hidden snap shot release. Beats goalies in quite a variety of ways. Never gives up on a play at either end. Has unbelievable knack for stripping opposing players of the puck. On quiet nights still manages to end up with three points on the scoresheet.

3. Edmonton Oilers - C Leon Draisaitl

Huge German center is tenacious in puck pursuit with his relentless forecheck often creating chances for linemates. Started using his heavy snap shot more this season and became a dual threat. Dominates the game down low with outstanding puck protection. Uses big frame to win the puck, pin men along the walls, or drive straight through would-be checkers. Constantly outthinks the opposition and knows where his outlets are at all times. Has learned to use his size to carve out space for himself and effectively separate opponents from the puck. Strong hockey sense in all three zones leads to good positioning. Traditional playmaking center finds teammates with crisp, accurate passes. Intelligent, two-way, classically schooled center. Outshone Reinhart in head-to-head action against Kootenay. Highly competitive nature with a never quit mentality.

4. Calgary Flames - C Sam Bennett

We absolutely love this kid - they type of player you win championships with. An effortless skater with exceptional quickness andspeed. Skilled centerman has an absolutely relentless, and unmatched compete level. Strong on the puck. Plays on the edge with grit. Very elusive - in open ice he's untouchable. Combines skill with a non-stop motor. Exceptional effort on the forecheck creates havoc and turnovers from d-men. Extraordinary desire/determination. Highly skilled with the puck on his stick and difficult to contain in the offensive zone. Tremendous vision and playmaking ability. Has sneaky hard shot with a lightning fast release - comes up with the big goals in big moments. His nasty streak forces defenders to move the puck quicker than they'dlike. Plays dirty, which makes him tough to play against, but also takes a few penalties. Strong personal character and captain material.

5. New York Islanders - LW Michael Dal Colle

A silky smooth and strong winger who goes hard to the net at every opportunity. While frame is a bit light, he handles himself like a 200-pounder with surprising upper body strength. Tough to slow down when he gets a head of steam. Uses long reach to protect the puck well while heading to net. Embraced the responsibility of being a "go-to" guy in Oshawa. Shows outstanding imagination and creativity as a playmaker - threads touch passes through crowds. Wins puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. Has a knack for shaking free in scoring territory at just the right moment, and always has stick on the ice ready for the pass. Has a sniper's release with very soft hands in close. Gains separation easily. Wants to be a difference makerevery time he steps on the ice. Is positionally sound in his own zone.

6. Vancouver Canucks - LW Jake Virtanen

Prototypical pro power winger with the draft's best combination of size, speed, shot, and raw power. A natural sniper whose shot is an absolute laser beam, and he loves to fire it from any anywhere. An explosive straight ahead skater who just torches defenders and plays with swagger. Absolutely loves the physical side of the game - gives and takes big hits and comes back even harder. Tough as nails and a devastating fighter. Impossible to move him off the puck from the circles in. He doesn't have great vision or hockey sense - if he did, we'd be talking about the clear-cut best player in the draft. Holds onto the puck longer than he should. Great at penetrating the middle in offensive zone, uses size to gain space in the slot and knock players offthe puck. A physically imposing open ice hitter – always has opponents looking over their shoulders.

Strong bet to become a shutdown defender in NHL. Outstanding defensive awareness - as advanced as we've seen in his own end over the last few years. Perfectly angles attackers to the outside with precise gap closure. Effortless burst created by strong first few steps and smooth crossovers. Superb positioning - never over-commits and is always between the shooter and the net. Great containment 1-on-1. Outstanding backwards skater. Uses long reach to reel in forwards, adding timely pokechecks to break up plays. Recovers well. Comfort level with the puck continues to increase. Keeps things simple in transition; quick feet allow him to skate the puck out when an outlet fails to present itself. Makes crisp breakouts and great D-to-D passes. Makes proper decisions to extend plays at the offensive end. Generates offense at even strength. Just quietly efficient at both ends.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs - C William Nylander

Exceptionally skilled - the most dynamic offensive talent in the draft. But son of longtime NHLer Michael Nylander has been coddled for years. Sometimes selfish, always a diva, and will give coaches gray hair. Has phenomenal hands and a world of skill; handles the puck as though it were glued to his blade, making ridiculous moves at top speed without a bobble. Glides effortlessly and is exceptionally elusive in tight quarters. While he's a brilliant stickhandler, always looks for the flashiest "Wow!" play instead of the simple, correct one. Superb on the PP where he owns the puck and sets up every play. Seemingly has more time to process the game than anyone else. Can slow play down, control the pace, then explode. Tremendous finishing ability. Terrific playmaker with every pass in the book, plus a few extras. Often seems intent only on showing everyone how skilled he is.

9. Winnipeg Jets - LW Nikolaj Ehlers

Gamebreaking offensive talent is possibly the most dangerous player in the draft from the blue line in. Explosive, elite skater with blazing speed and a separation gear at the top end, plus elusive east-west agility. His speed forces defenders to back in off the blue line, and he's able to gain the zone easily as d-men simply can't control gaps against him. Controls the puck and makes plays at top gear and uses his agility to weave in and out of tight spaces. Can either finish with a sniper's touch or set up linemates with precise passes. Has a hard, accurate shot with a quick release. Fearless and never afraid to take hits to make plays despite smallish frame. Isn't shy about taking the puck into dangerous areas - doesn't back down in the corners.Highly competitive. Already has a pro mindset.

10. Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa Senators) - LW Nick Ritchie

Massive size and strength to match. When he decides to head to the net, he drags multiple defenders on his back. Soft hands in close and a great snap shot. Has great strength through his core and a powerful stride. Not the fastest skater and his first few steps need work, but strong on skates and prefers to take the shortest route to the puck - goes through opponents, not around them. Dangerous and creates offense off the cycle - impossible to separate him from the puck down low. Controls the boards and carries an edge to his game that gives him extra time and space to make plays. Devastating fighter when he drops the mitts. Hits with passion and shows a mean streak. Can drop the leg and drive by defenders to the outside. Inconsistent effort, and his intensity wavers. Will need to improve on his defensive zone responsibilities too, but has unlimited potential.

11. Nashville Predators - RW Kevin Fiala

Beautiful skater with explosive first step, easy acceleration, and separation gear. Forces defenders to back off the blue line. Fabulous quick/soft hands and easily turns even top defenders inside-out, both off the rush and in tight, with spectacular moves at top speed. Highly imaginative and creative playmaker. Supremely dangerous on the PP with extra time and room. Dangerous whenever he has the puck, and is relentless in pursuit when he doesn't. Everything about his skating is sharp - no lazy circles. Wires NHL-caliber shots off the wrong foot and from all angles, catching goalies by surprise. Smartly uses defensemen as screens. Excellent offensive instincts and finishing touch around net. Soft touch on passes off both sides of the blade. Not big, but has good balance and initiates contact - wins puck battles. Struggles maintaining focus and interest defensively and stops moving his feet.

12. Arizona Coyotes - LW Brendan Perlini

Tall, lanky winger with soft hands had a huge breakout season. Has very good size/speed combination and a hard shot that explodes off his stick. Has quick first steps and then long strides - wins races for loose pucks. Has good hockey sense in all three zones. Breaks out well off the sideboards in his own end. Is always involved and around the puck. Uses long reach on an effective forecheck. Uses strength to work the boards and corners, and protects the puck well while cycling down low, but we'd like to see more abrasiveness to open up more room and time for him to handle the puck. Moves the puck quite well and distributes as well as he scores - good vision. Produced offensively despite having very little support around him. Could be moved to center with his size and passing skill. Defensive zone play needs work.

13. Washington Capitals - LW/RW Jakub Vrana

Draft wild-card had up-and-down season, finishing on a strong note at World U-18s, which was very important for his sagging stock. Highly talented Czech has been playing in Sweden the past 2+ seasons to advance his development. Outstanding skater with a smooth stride and strong acceleration. Shows great short area burst. Creative dynamo is a flashy, puck possession type. Loves to draw defenders to him before dishing imaginative set-ups. Very agile and beats defenders 1-on-1 off the rush routinely with a variety of slick moves he can make at top speed. A natural sniper with soft, quick hands - instinctive in the offensive zone with a very accurate shot and lightning fast release. But goes long stretches where he looks uninterested. Defensive zone positioning and coverage is lacking.

PHOTOS: 2014 NHL draft picks

The status of the NHL's 2014 first-round draft picks: 1. Florida Panthers: Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie Colts (OHL). He suffered a concussion in early August and signed a three-year, entry-level deal on Sept. 3. (Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports)

2. Buffalo Sabres: Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay Ice (OHL). Signed on July 12. He went without a point in his first three preseason games but scored a goal on Oct. 1. (Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports)

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Sonny Milano, LW, USA U-18 (USHL). Signed on Sept. 11. He suffered a facial injury during a rookie game. Earlier, he announced he will play next season for the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth (Mich.) Whalers instead of Boston College. (Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports)

17. Philadelphia Flyers: Travis Sanheim, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL). He was returned to his junior team on Sept. 24 and signed to an entry-level deal on the 25th. (Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports)

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Elite offensive talent - far and away the best PP quarterback out west this season. Outstanding distributor and decision-maker on the PP, where he dances past the high defender to drop down into slot and let dangerous snap shots go. Combines offensive flash with a quietly steady defensive game. Will need to add bulk to play at the next level, but his quick adaptation to smaller ice is hard to ignore. Uses quick feet to reach pucks first and elude forechecking pressure, then makes quick decisions once he secures it. Not afraid to step up and make well-timed open ice hits. Great compete level down low in own end - never fazed by heavy contact in puck battles. Absorbs hits to ensure puck gets up to wingers. Calm demeanor; never gets rattled at either end of ice. Plays with head on a swivel and is great at navigating traffic.

15. Detroit Red Wings - C Dylan Larkin

Shifty with excellent east/west moves and lateral agility - tough to contain. Needs very little time or space to get shots away from the slot, even off balance or on passes in his skates. Kicks passes from his skates up to stick blade in one motion without slowing. Very active running the PP from both the half-boards and down low - makes great cross-crease set ups. Edges well and is smooth out of his breaks with quick, slashing change of direction. Great on the rush, utilizing dynamic puck skill and change of pace. At his best driving aggressively into lanes - not big, but fearlessly bulls his way through checkers to storm the net. Absolutely loves the game; great desire and plays every shift as if it were his last. Determined battler in traffic. Dangerous in open ice and impossible to corral 1-on-1. Terrific stickhandler buys time for linemates to get open, and shows deft passing skills.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets - LW Sonny Milano

Creative, playmaking winger is a natural sniper. Shows great patience to wait out goalies around the crease, and great hands to roof backhanders from in tight. Has exceptionally loose wrists for dynamic stickhandling. Amazing puck control - almost looks like he's playing shinny on a pond, and is never afraid to try new moves most forwards can't even envision. Makes all his terrific moves at top-end speed. Really fast and shifty, and seems to get even faster with the puck on his blade. Elusive in tight space. Propels the offence and is a catalyst on any line; gains instant chemistry with any linemates. Has grown several inches in the last 15 months and can now take hits and continue moving forward. Has really worked on rounding out his game and is responsible in own end, and a dangerous penalty killer due to his anticipation and quick stick.

17. Philadelphia Flyers - D Travis Sanheim

First-year defender came out of left field, and we kept coming away more impressed each time we saw him. Love the way his game continues to blossom, and the rapid development has been staggering. At 6-3, 190, he skates and moves extremely well. He'll turn and chase dump-ins to the corner, then quickly turns play back the other way in transition, even leading the break. Very light on his edges with four-way mobility, and not shy about handling and skating with the puck. Puck movement gets quicker and better all the time. Everything he does is crisp - no hesitation moving up into rushes and forcing the play. Distributes well and also has a cannon shot we wish he'd use more often. Pinches aggressively and intelligently at offensive blue line. Size and defensive awareness could make him one of the best of this WHL class

18. Minnesota Wild - LW Alex Tuch

Imposing physical specimen is gargantuan sized and has much more puck skill and offensive imagination than he gets credit for. Hard-driving winger has a great release and gets great wrist snap on a really heavy shot. Mountainous man-child is an absolute load to try to move off the puck. Uses wide body and long reach to protect it, and can drag defenders on his back to the net. Makes power moves off the sidewalls and out of corners and takes it straight to net. Also shows pretty fair vision and some creative set-ups as well. Sells out his body along defensive wall to clear the zone. Still a bit raw and needs to round off his game. We haven't seen him drop the gloves, and he'd be more intimidating if he played with some temper. If those aspects develop, could be the quintessential pro power winger.

19. Tampa Bay Lightning - D Anthony DeAngelo

Talk about generating buzz! Wow! Creates a lot of excitement with his terrific puck skills and offensive instincts. But unfortunately,just as much of that buzz centers on the attitude and his, shall we say, less than ideal concept of what a good teammate should be. He's a dynamic game-breaker from the blue line with exceptional puck skills. Has no panic in his game. Has his head up at all times scanning for plays. Sees the ice extremely well. His outlets are crisp tape-to-tape. Tremendous on the PP, where he can act as either QB or triggerman. Gains the zone with ease, walks the line to create shooting/passing lanes, and can fire bullets or make creative slap-passes. Has to learn when to dump puck in - makes costly turnovers trying to force plays.

20. Chicago Blackhawks (from San Jose Sharks) - C Nick Schmaltz

Ultra-skilled center with magic hands, but no work ethic. Numerous viewings left us both dazzled and incredibly annoyed at the same time. One shift he's a wizard, creating out of nothing and darting in and out of traffic like "The Matrix." The next shift (or frequently the next dozen shifts), we see the long exaggerated strides, the disengaged body language, and the apathetic play suggesting he doesn't even want to be there. Shows tremendous playmaking skills with beautiful set-up feeds and excellent vision. Finishes chances almost casually with perfectly placed shots. But what we find most interesting is he seems to compile most of his points in wide open affairs with little checking or structure. In gritty, tight checking contests, he's often M.I.A.

21. St. Louis Blues - C Robby Fabbri

Small body, huge compete level. Highly intelligent with a terrific understanding of different game situations. Reads and reacts extremely well and is outstanding at improvising on the spot. Sees the ice exceptionally well. Excellent playmaker with a soft passing touch. Constantly keeps his feet in motion. Outstanding edge control maximizes lateral skating with great push off from any angle. Terrific skater has great short area burst and several gears - forces opposing d-men into less than ideal situations. Not afraid to get physically involved despite small stature. Forechecks relentlessly, creating numerous scoring chances and generally making life miserable for opposing D-men. Has a heavy shot that surprises. Wins many puck battles against larger opponents through sheer desire and determination. Backchecks as hard as he forechecks. Absolutely loves the game.

Son of former NHLer Sami Kapanen is fast and aggressive on the forecheck - creates problems for d-men by getting on them early around the corners. Can unleash powerful 1-timers from any angle. Dynamic skills/hands and great speed make him dangerous going wide off the rush. Protects the puck well in corners. Sharp cuts and change of direction in tight spaces make him highly elusive - a real challenge to contain. Has some vision, but more scorer than playmaker - doesn't give up the puck at times when others are in better scoring position. Shows no physical presence, and in internatonal play against physical clubs has repeatedly come up small. He's an exciting kid with gamebreaking skills, but inconsistency combined with lackluster showings internationally leave unanswered questions. Effort level wavers from shift-to-shift, and he'll go long stretches where you never notice him.

23. Colorado Avalanche - C Conner Bleackley

Coach Brent Sutter has impacted his game in a very positive way. Was an early bloomer physically, but no longer takes things for granted with strong work dominating battles along the sideboards and in scrums out front. In a complete turn-around from last year, he now constantly outworks opponents, and keeping involved in the play has also helped his consistency from shift-to-shift. Character player and team captain now leads by example. Stands out on the PP where he finds open ice and capitalizes with hard, accurate snapshots. His release is less certain in traffic; needs to carve out space in the slot and get it away quicker. Good stickhandler takes the puck right into high traffic and controls it well. Attacks the slot aggressively and gets to net with defenders draped all over him. Makes good pass/shoot decisions, but lacks great offensive instincts - tends to get lost on certain plays.

24. Vancouver Canucks (from Anaheim Ducks) - C Jared McCann

Smooth playmaking center with a long, strong stride and good acceleration - fluid skater. Handles the puck well at full speed and makes accurate tape-to-tape passes. Shows excellent touch on short area passes. Creates chances with intelligent, imaginative passes off both sides of the blade. Sees the ice and anticipates very well. Great instincts in the offensive zone. Rips wicked wristers and can pick top corners. Well balanced on his skates and not afraid to go into heavy traffic. Protects the puck well and creates off the cycle. Shows great maturity and plays with intensity. Steady effort every game makes him a coach's dream. Needs to add muscle to his 174-pound frame - appeared to tire late in the season. Needs some work on his defensive-zone habits - gets to the right spots defensively but is too quick to transition to offence, leaving his assignment.

25. Boston Bruins - RW David Pastrnak

Shifty with excellent east/west moves and lateral agility - tough to contain. Needs very little time or space to get shots away from the slot, even off balance or on passes in his skates. Kicks passes from his skates up to stick blade in one motion without slowing. Very active running the PP from both the half-boards and down low - makes great cross-crease set ups. Edges well and is smooth out of his breaks with quick, slashing change of direction. Great on the rush, utilizing dynamic puck skill and change of pace. At his best driving aggressively into lanes - not big, but fearlessly bulls his way through checkers to storm the net. Absolutely loves the game; great desire and plays every shift as if it were his last. Determined battler in traffic. Dangerous in open ice and impossible to corral 1-on-1. Terrific stickhandler buys time for linemates to get open, and shows deft passing skills.

26. Montreal Canadiens - RW Nikita Scherbak

Russian emerged out of nowhere and, unlike most countrymen adjusting overseas, deserves full credit for engaging with teammates/coaches. Great skater with a very long stride that eats up ice. Deceptive speed, and once he unravels those long legs he easily gains a step and blows past everyone - has another gear when he needs it. Uses big frame to absorb hits along the boards well. Extremely strong on his stick in the slot - bears down and it's impossible to stop him from getting shot off once he decides to let it go. First to pucks all over the ice. Needs to improve lateral agility and must make concerted effort not to get caught coasting in own zone. Imaginative touch with the puck; perfectly placed passes always have draw weight finding teammates in motion. Confidence with the puck improves in tight situations. Great hand/eye coordination. Deadly from the hash marks in.

27. San Jose Sharks (from Chicago Blackhawks) - RW Nikolay Goldobin

One dimensional winger is pretty with the puck, pretty worth-less without it. An exceptional puckhandler with eye-popping moves. Is a tremendous pure offensive talent. Quick hands and is lighting fast with an extra separation gear. Stickhandles well in tight quarters and makes defenders look silly if they peek at the puck. Has great vision and makes the type of imaginative passes you can't teach, even surprising teammates. A natural goal scorer. Spotty work ethic. Engaged and interested when the puck is on his stick, but tends to dis-appear for long stretches and loses interest away from the puck. Not strong in puck pursuit, either. Prefers to stay away from contact, but will weave in and out of traffic effectively if there's a scoring chance involved. Can be selfish at times. Needs tons of work on his non-ex-istent backchecking and defensive awareness.

28. New York Islanders (via Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers) - C-RW Joshua Ho-Sang

Little speedster is a fiery competitor who is relentless in puck pursuit. Great individual skills. Handles the puck like he's got it on a string. Very quick release on a heavy shot. Glides effortlessly over the ice - great speed and slippery as an eel. Needs to distribute the puck more efficiently - tries to do too much himself. At times lacks effort getting back, but have to credit him for improved play away from the puck and in defensive zone. Very slightly built at 166 pounds, but is a real agitator who is often at the heart of extracurricular activities. Adding 20-25 pounds of muscle would make him more difficult to contain and create space for him to perform his magic. Good anticipation and superb hand/eye coordination - makes tons of neat little tips and dangerous deflections around net, and his quick stick creates turnovers regularly. There's some concern over his "different" personality.

29. Los Angeles Kings - LW Adrian Kempe

One of the youngest players in the draft, and already plays with high intensity. Aggressive pivot had an up-and- down season; didn't perform at his best with juniors, but raised his level in the SHL. Power forward in the making – forceful hitter finishes checks and has scoring ability. Has an absolute rocket shot, but accuracy isn't always there. Good size and has a great frame to grow into. Determined battler all over the ice. Great speed with a terrific initial burst. Skates with a wide stance for balance, and is very shifty and elusive laterally. Dangerous off the rush, but needs to learn to evaluate when to shoot or slip a pass over to linemate. Could show better puckhandling poise - turns it over at offensive blue line trying too many moves. Agitates opponents with persistent chippiness. Carries his stick recklessly high on occasion and draws needless aggression fouls.

30. New Jersey Devils - C John Quenneville

Opportunistic goal scorer pounces on loose pucks from breakdowns in traffic and finishes with hard, accurate snapshots. Quick hands allow him to make plays in traffic and convert passes in tight. Underdeveloped frame conducive to adding lots more muscle. Long stride with a good push and strong crossovers for good lateral mobility. Creates plays in transition. Long reach and great at stripping defenders on the forecheck with proper stick placement and timing. Excellent distributor shows patience in outwaiting opponents while looking for the proper outlet to develop. Works effective give-and-go's by keeping feet in motion following a pass. Hides release point well and never hesitates letting it go in scoring areas. Consistent producer for young team, and elevated his game in playoffs. Might end up as a winger at next level. Can get stuck on the perimeter too often.